This IIT graduate chose yoga over engineering: Today, his platform reaches learners across 169 countries
For many students, securing admission to an IIT is considered the gateway to a successful and stable career. But for Saurabh Bothra, an IIT-BHU graduate, the degree became the starting point of a very different journey—one that would eventually help millions embrace healthier lifestyles through yoga.Today, Bothra’s online wellness platform, Habuild, has built a global community of over 1.5 crore learners spanning 169 countries. What began as a personal exploration of meditation and yoga has evolved into a movement that encourages people to show up for their health every single day.From IIT Classrooms to Yoga SessionsBorn and raised in Maharashtra, Saurabh Bothra grew up in an environment that valued service and purpose. Inspired by his grandfather, who left city life to serve villagers as a doctor, and influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Bothra developed an early interest in creating meaningful impact.After earning admission to IIT-BHU, he appeared destined for a conventional engineering career. However, a chance encounter during a train journey introduced him to meditation and yoga. What started as a personal practice gradually transformed into a passion strong enough to make him rethink his future.Instead of following the traditional IIT career trajectory, Bothra chose to dedicate himself to teaching yoga—a decision that came with years of uncertainty and struggle.The Six-Year Struggle Before SuccessThe road was far from easy. For nearly six years, Bothra worked to establish himself as a yoga educator, travelling extensively and conducting sessions across different communities. During this period, he observed a recurring pattern: people genuinely wanted to improve their health but found it difficult to remain consistent.This insight became the foundation of his future venture. Rather than focusing solely on teaching yoga techniques, Bothra wanted to help people build lasting wellness habits that could fit into their daily routines.That vision eventually led to the launch of Habuild in March 2020, just days before the Covid-19 lockdown changed lives across the world.How a Daily Habit Turned Into a Global MovementAs millions remained confined to their homes during the pandemic, Habuild’s simple approach resonated widely. The platform encouraged participants to attend daily yoga sessions, creating accountability and consistency rather than chasing quick results.Word-of-mouth recommendations from families and communities helped the platform expand rapidly. The model proved especially popular among women balancing professional and family responsibilities, offering them an accessible way to prioritise their well-being.Today, Habuild’s reach extends across 169 countries, connecting more than 1.5 crore people through daily wellness practices. For Bothra, however, the mission remains unchanged: helping individuals build sustainable habits that lead to healthier, happier lives.His journey serves as a reminder that success does not always follow a predefined path. Sometimes, stepping away from the expected route can create an impact far greater than anyone imagined.
